Why You Should Not Trust Your Car’s Automatic Systems Completely

12 February 2026

Paul Francis

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Most modern drivers assume that if a feature is labelled “automatic”, it will take care of itself. Automatic lights. Automatic braking. Automatic lane correction. The car feels intelligent, almost watchful.

Car dashboard at night with blurred city lights in the background. Speedometer glows blue. Display shows 8:39. Moody, urban setting.

But there is a quiet issue that many drivers are unaware of, and it begins with something as simple as headlights.

The automatic headlight problem

In fog, heavy rain or dull grey daylight, many cars will show illuminated front lights but leave the rear of the vehicle dark. From inside the car, everything appears normal. The dashboard is lit. The automatic light symbol is active. You can see light reflecting ahead.

However, what often happens is that the vehicle is running on daytime running lights rather than full dipped headlights. On many cars, daytime running lights only operate at the front. The rear lights remain off unless the dipped headlights are manually switched on.

The system relies on a light sensor that measures brightness, not visibility. Fog does not always make the environment dark enough to trigger full headlights. Heavy motorway spray can reduce visibility dramatically while still registering as daylight. The result is a vehicle that is difficult to see from behind, especially at speed.

Under the Highway Code, drivers must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced. Automatic systems do not override that responsibility. In poor weather, manual control is often the safer choice. It is a small action that can make a significant difference.

Automatic emergency braking is not foolproof

Automatic Emergency Braking, often referred to as AEB, is one of the most widely praised safety technologies in modern vehicles. It is designed to detect obstacles and apply the brakes if a collision appears imminent.

In controlled testing, it reduces certain types of crashes. But it is not infallible. Cameras and radar can struggle in heavy rain, low sun glare, fog, or when sensors are obstructed by dirt or ice. Some systems have difficulty detecting stationary vehicles at high speed. Others may not recognise pedestrians at certain angles.

It is a safety net, not a guarantee.

Lane assist is not autopilot

Lane keeping systems gently steer the car back into its lane if it detects a drift. On clear motorways with bright road markings, they can work well.

On rural roads, in roadworks, or where markings are faded, they can disengage or behave unpredictably. Drivers may not even realise when the system has switched off. Over time, there is a risk that drivers become less attentive, assuming the vehicle will correct mistakes.

It will not.

Cars drive on a wet highway during sunset. The sky is golden, and trees line the road. The scene is viewed through a windshield.

Adaptive cruise control still requires full attention

Adaptive cruise control maintains speed and distance from the car ahead. It is comfortable on long motorway journeys.

However, it does not anticipate hazards like a human driver. It can brake sharply when another vehicle exits your lane. It may not react appropriately to a fast vehicle cutting in. Most importantly, it does not read the wider context of traffic conditions.

It reduces workload, but it does not remove responsibility.

Blind spot monitoring is not perfect

Blind spot indicators are helpful, especially in heavy traffic. They provide an extra warning when another vehicle is alongside you.

But motorcycles, fast approaching cars, or vehicles at unusual angles can sometimes escape detection. Sensors can also be affected by weather or dirt. A physical shoulder check remains essential.

Cameras distort reality

Reversing cameras and parking sensors have reduced low-speed bumps and scrapes. They are undeniably useful.

Yet cameras distort depth perception, and small or low obstacles can be difficult to judge accurately. Relying entirely on the screen rather than physically checking surroundings is one of the most common causes of minor accidents.

The bigger risk is complacency

There is a growing concern among safety researchers about automation complacency. When systems work well most of the time, drivers begin to relax. Attention drifts. Reaction times lengthen.

Modern vehicles are safer than ever, but the technology is designed to support an attentive driver. It is not designed to replace one.

The word “assist” appears frequently in the naming of these systems for a reason. They assist. They do not assume control.

Automatic lights, braking, steering correction and cruise systems are impressive pieces of engineering. They reduce risk. They improve comfort. But they still require a human driver who understands their limits.

Trusting technology is reasonable. Trusting it completely is not.

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Unpacking the Oscars: Diversity, Commercialization, and the Quest for Relevance in Hollywood

Connor Banks
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The Oscars occurred last Sunday with Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer winning seven Oscars putting it into an exclusive club of films that have managed this feat. This year was a good year for films with many high-profile film releases such as Barbie and Poor Things. But are the Oscars still relevant in our current age? With streaming and television on the rise, fewer and fewer people are following these once “unmissable” event and is it possible for them to bounce back?

Last year the moment that kept the Oscars relevant was the slap heard across the world as Will Smith walked on stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock across the face after making a joke towards the actor's wife. But other than that, most people won’t be able to tell you much about what else happened at the event.

Some would argue that this could be due to a lack of diversity. Concerns started after many people pointed out that the Oscar nominations would often overlook films directed by women, people of colour, and from countries that weren’t America. The recent rule changes introduced by the Oscars in response to diversity concerns have ignited discussions about their true efficacy. While these alterations aim to foster inclusivity and representation in filmmaking, sceptics suggest they might serve as mere surface-level remedies, failing to address the deeper-rooted systemic inequalities within Hollywood. According to insiders from prominent film companies who spoke anonymously with the New York Times, the diversity requirements have had limited impact on their filmmaking processes, with some asserting that the standards are easily met and may not lead to substantial shifts in hiring practices or narrative choices.

However, this year's Oscar nominations do reflect some strides towards diversification. Notably, among the nominees for acting awards, seven individuals hail from historically marginalised communities. The recognition of talents such as Lily Gladstone, the first Native American nominee for Best Actress for her role in "Killers of the Flower Moon," and Colman Domingo's portrayal of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, nominated for Best Actor, signifies a move towards acknowledging and celebrating diverse voices in the industry. Moreover, films like "Barbie" and "American Fiction," nominated for Best Picture, feature casts and narratives that offer a broader spectrum of experiences, such as "Past Lives," which explores the reunion between a Korean American woman and her childhood friend, showcasing storytelling that reflects the rich tapestry of human existence. Despite these positive developments, the ongoing debate underscores the need for more comprehensive and sustained efforts to enact meaningful change in Hollywood's landscape.

Another reason for the Oscar's decline is the growing commercialisation and corporate influence on the show. Behind the scenes, studios and distributors spare no expense in mounting elaborate campaigns to sway Academy voters, pouring resources into everything from lavish events to glossy promotional materials. The allure of an Oscar win is not merely symbolic; it carries tangible financial benefits, driving box office revenue and shaping long-term industry dynamics. Yet, this pursuit of Oscar glory often comes at a cost, as artistic integrity takes a backseat to marketing strategies and financial incentives. Major studios, wielding considerable influence within the Academy, further tilt the scales in favour of big-budget productions, while smaller, independent films struggle to compete. The Oscars, once a celebration of cinematic excellence, have become entangled in a web of sponsorship deals, brand integration, and profit-driven agendas. In this landscape, the line between artistic merit and commercial interests blurs, raising questions about the authenticity and integrity of the awards. As the film industry grapples with these challenges, the Oscars risk losing relevance, becoming little more than a glittering spectacle of corporate branding and industry politics.

While the Oscars remain a highly anticipated event in the film industry, their relevance has faced challenges in recent years. Issues such as lack of diversity in nominations, growing commercialization, and corporate influence have led to debates about the awards' significance and impact on the industry. Despite efforts to address these concerns through rule changes and recognition of diverse talents, scepticism remains about the Oscars' ability to truly reflect the rich tapestry of human experiences and maintain their integrity as a celebration of cinematic excellence. Moving forward, continued efforts to promote diversity, inclusion, and artistic integrity will be essential for the Oscars to remain relevant in an ever-evolving film landscape.